Former NRL forward Kevin Proctor was dramatically knocked out by social media influencer Jordan Simi during a controversial ‘run it straight’ event in Dubai. The incident, which occurred overnight, has sparked widespread concern and criticism over the safety of such events.
The ‘run it straight’ trend, which involves participants charging directly at each other to mimic a rugby-style collision, has gained popularity on social media. However, the high-speed collision left Proctor, a former Kiwi international, flattened and writhing on the ground, prompting immediate concern from organisers and spectators alike.
In disturbing footage circulating on social media, the 36-year-old’s arms and legs went stiff as medics rushed to his aid. Reactions online were swift and intense, with one user exclaiming,
‘What did I just watch!’
while another called it
‘Absolutely f**king disgusting.’
A third user expressed concern, saying,
‘Hope Proctor is okay after that knockout.’
Rising Popularity and Growing Criticism
The ‘run it straight’ trend has seen official competitions emerge in locations such as Sydney and New Zealand, offering substantial cash prizes. However, the events have drawn significant criticism for their dangerous nature, especially after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge last month.
Despite assurances from RUNIT event organisers about the presence of medical staff, trauma clinicians remain skeptical. Neuroscientist Dr. Helen Murray has been vocal about the risks, stating,
‘There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There’s no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it.’
Professor Patria Hume, an expert in sports science and injury prevention, echoed these concerns, describing the sport as
‘a step backwards.’
She emphasized,
‘The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.’
Australian neurologist Dr. Alan Pearce also criticized the event, saying,
‘It’s insanity. You’re removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force.’
Kevin Proctor’s Controversial Past
Proctor, who has played 283 NRL games for the Titans and Storm, is no stranger to controversy. He was infamously sacked in 2022 following the ‘vape-gate’ incident, where he posted a video of himself vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game. The Titans labeled his actions ‘dumb’, fined him $15,000, and subsequently dismissed him from the team.
Beyond the vaping scandal, Proctor’s rugby league career has been marred by other indiscretions. In 2017, he was fined $20,000 and banned for four games by the Titans after allegedly purchasing and consuming cocaine with fellow player Jesse Bromwich. Proctor claimed he couldn’t remember much of the evening in question and was removed from his position as the club’s co-captain.
In 2020, Proctor was found guilty of biting Shaun Johnson during his 250th NRL appearance, resulting in a four-match suspension. Despite his denial, the NRL match review committee found the evidence compelling.
Implications and Future Outlook
The incident involving Proctor at the RUNIT event highlights the ongoing debate over the safety and ethics of such high-risk activities. With events in Australia and New Zealand facing postponements and cancellations, the future of the ‘run it straight’ competitions remains uncertain.
As the trend continues to attract attention, both positive and negative, the pressure mounts on organizers to prioritize participant safety and consider the long-term implications of repeated head impacts. The controversy surrounding Kevin Proctor’s knockout serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved.
Moving forward, the challenge for event organizers will be to balance the thrill and appeal of these competitions with the essential need for safety and responsibility. As experts continue to voice their concerns, the conversation around ‘run it straight’ events is likely to intensify, prompting a reevaluation of the trend’s place in the sporting world.
